If at any point you find yourself in a situation that feels dangerous or uncomfortable, you should leave at once. Bring whatever information and concerns you have back to the office and we will respond appropriately.
You are representing NC State University and are associated with a number of partner organizations. Please be super nice to everyone you meet and talk with in the course of your sampling work. Do not, under any circumstances, enter into arguments with anyone - leave the area if someone becomes argumentative.
Basic Safety for Field Research
Safety is an important, but often overlooked component in any field research activity. For this class, and all future fieldwork, it's important to have a basic understanding of how to keep yourself safe while collecting data. By taking a few precautionary actions, you can greatly reduce your chances of finding yourself in a bad situation, and more easily recover from one if it does happen. (A lot of this will seem lame or overkill, but it's easier to just do this stuff and not need it than to need it and not have it.)
How to Think
Attitude:
The most important variable is how you approach fieldwork. Somebody who assumes everything will go right and is not paying attention is far more likely to get into a dangerous situation than somebody who is keeping an eye open for problems, and makes necessary preparations. Fieldwork is fun, and you should always keep a positive attitude, but don't make assumptions or cut corners that you might regret later.
Plans:
Before you go to a plot, know exactly how to get there. Know what the weather is going to be like, and what the likely hazards are going to be. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. (For instance, what would you do if somebody twisted their ankle on a log? What if a thunderstorm rolls in?)
Awareness:
Keep an eye on your surroundings. Is the branch above you dead? Is that sound in the distance thunder, or a train? Did you come in on the trail with the white blazes, or the red? Why is that raccoon walking funny? Even if somebody else is taking charge of navigation, double check them from time to time so you always know where you are.
Redundancy and Improvization:
If you have a water bottle, wrap it in duct tape so you can fix things in the field, and to give it a little more protection against falling on rocks etc. If you forgot the pin flags, tie some flagging tape on a stick and jam it in the ground. If you twist your ankle, use a good solid stick as a crutch. By having equipment that can be used in multiple ways, you can make sure you always have what you need when you need it.
Personal Equipment
Proper gear is what allows field research to go on happily in adverse conditions and despite random SNAFUs. Make sure you have the tools needed to get the job done right.
Essential Equipment(See also Field Kit page and collect checklist there)
Outer layer: Have a shell that can protect you from wind and rain. Even if you don't wear it, bring it with you.
Inner layers: In cooler weather, bring multiple thin layers that you can use to keep warm, with the T-shirt on the outside. In cold weather, wear more or thicker layers with a coat. For any outdoor work, it's best to dress in layers. You can add and remove layers as needed to keep at the right temperature. The layers also help to trap air, like a quilt, keeping you warmer for less weight. Avoid having just a T-shirt and a really thick coat. If the temperature changes, you'll either be sweating or freeze. Or, if you're really unlucky, you'll work up a sweat, and then freeze.
Proper footwear: wear something sturdy, preferably with ankle support, that has good traction and that could get wet or muddy. Sturdy sneakers at the minimum, but preferably hiking boots.
Vest: A blaze orange vest helps hunters and drivers see you. It also enhances your professional appearance, and makes it more likely that people will think you are doing important work. As a result, they are more likely to talk to you instead of calling the police or threatening violence. Some vests have pockets that are good for carrying things
Water: You should have a liter or two with you, and take water breaks periodically. Even in winter, and especially when doing physical work like measuring plots, you will sweat and lose water. Without water, your body can't function properly, and will generate less heat and you will get cold and cranky. (Crankiness is one of the first signs of dehydration).
First aid kits: Each person should have a sealable bag with bandaids, aspirin, antihistimines, inhalers, epi-pens etc., whatever you need to take care of yourself medically. Stuff it in your backpack and forget about it. Also, it's good to have a card in your wallet or backpack with your medical conditions, allergies, blood type etc., just in case something happens and you're unable to tell medical personell. It's a good general practice that's quick, cheap, and in certain circumstances can be lifesaving. You should tell your partner where you keep your card.
Whistle:It's small, it can be used to call for help, to scare animals away, or to help other researchers find you in the field. (Especially when you're in a place that's hard to describe to other people.) Three sharp blasts is an international distress signal.
Optional Equipment
Snacks: Depending on how long you're out for, it's good to have some granola bars, trail mix, crackers, or something to keep your energy levels up. Without food, your body will produce less heat and you'll get colder faster.
Sunblock: even in winter, you can get sunburned in an hour or two, especially at elevation or on really clear days.
Bugspray: depending on conditions, there may be gnats or mosquitos. Avoid applying sprays with deet to bare skin, I've heard it's a carcinogen.
Hat: A wool cap is best for cold days, since you lose a lot of heat through your head. On sunny days, a ballcap or broad brimmed hat keeps the sun off your face and out of your eyes.
Weather Issues
“Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” -Ben Franklin
Chances are you'll have to collect data at some point when it's cold, wet, snowy, windy, or icy.
Staying warm
Wear a wool hat. You lose a lot of heat with a bare head, even if you have a lot of hair. Dress in layers that trap air. Drink water and eat snacks to keep your metabolism up. Drink hot liquids before going out, and take breaks periodically to warm up. Keep an eye on partners for signs of hypothermia, like shivering, chattering teeth, confusion,
Ice and Fog
Be careful driving or walking on ice. Leave a longer following distance while driving. Don't fall down or drive off the road.
Rain-use waterproof paper, if available, or keep equipment and papers in appropriately sized plastic bags. Wear synthetic or wool layers, since cotton absorbs water and gets cold. Have a good outer shell. If you have to improvize, you can turn a garbage bag into a waterproof outer layer.
Wind-have a good clipboard that keeps your papers from blowing away. Add extra layers to keep in heat. Have a good outer shell.
Communications
Always let somebody know where you are going, and when you plan on being back. Bring a cell phone if you have one, and program your emergency contact (In Case of Emergency, or ICE is typically entered so if a paramedic finds you and you can't talk, they can contact this person straight from your phone.) We'll give you phone numbers to call if you have problems or questions in the field.
What to Do if There is an Injury
Tell your partner(s)
If it is minor, call us to let us know what happened
If it's major, help your partner help you.
What to do if there if a team member is injured
Stop.
Check the cause of the injury. Be careful when going to help them, so you don't get hurt as well.
Stay calm.
Assess the severity. Is it minor, or is it going to be serious?
Minor injuries: Call us, then apply first aid and keep working or go seek medical help. Even deep cuts and blisters should be taken care of quickly and correctly to avoid infection.
Serious injuries: Call 911 first, then apply first aid as best as you can. Tell the paramedics where you are, and if you can make it with your partner to a road without making the injury worse, do it. Otherwise use flagging tape to show them the best way to get to your injured partner. When the situation is under control, call us.
Urban Safety
Parking:
The first step in urban safety is finding a legal parking place. As you get closer to the plot watch for areas with free or temporary parking. Two hour parking should be enough time to get everything done. When exiting from the left side of the car into traffic (or the right side, if parked on the left of a one-way street), be very careful that no cars are approaching before opening your door.
Traffic:
Once out of the car, traffic becomes the next thing to watch out for. Look both ways before you cross any street, even a one-way street. Be aware at all times when cars are coming. No one wants to get hit by a car. Do NOT try to establish a plot center in the middle of a street. Instead, use your aerial photograph to figure out which trees are in the plot and measure them. Note any differences in land cover on the photo. We can estimate the land cover data from the photo if we need to.
Highways:
If a sample plot requires presence on a limited-access highway (eg, the beltline), do NOT measure the plot. Please refer all such plots to George and Evan.
Dogs:
Dogs can also be problem especially if the plot is in a back yard. If the plot is one where we have to ask to go into the backyard, always ask if they have any dogs. If a dog does approach, watch its posture and do not run this will just make it chase you.
People:
People are another thing to be aware of. In bad neighborhoods especially make sure all team members can see each other at all times. If we all know our surroundings then everything should work out just fine.
Permission / Trespass:
If the field site is in someone's back yard, you should knock on the door and ask permission. Do not trespass. You should have with you a letter on NCSU stationary describing what you're doing and your NCSU identification. You should wear a safety vest at all times, and a hard hat - this helps make you look professional and projects an image of competence and confidence. Be polite, understand and explain what you area asking to do, how long it will take, and emphasize that no destructive sampling will be done - nothing will be removed from the site. If they say "No" just say "Thank yo very much" and leave the area.
Safety in Undeveloped areas- There is a greater potential for accidents in undeveloped areas. The terrain can be unpredictable for ex: Wet rocky areas, steep hills. When going out into the field you should have the proper footwear and equipment to handle these anticipated areas.
Animals-Some of the plots can be deep in the woods and with that comes the possibility for animals. Even if an animal looks harmless you should avoid an encounter with them by simply backing away slowly. The most dangerous animal you need to look out for would be snakes, especially copperheads. If you happen to find yourself near a snake like this,
again calmly back away from the animal and go around at a safe distance from it.
Insects-Since it is Winter, insects should not be a problem.
Plants- Always keep an eye out for plants with thorns, having a good pair of work gloves would be helpful if you can’t avoid the thorns and need to push them aside. Also don’t be tempted to eat anything off a plant. Unless your 100% sure what is edible don’t be lured by brightly colored berries!
Poison Ivy- It is still active in winter, the leaves fall off but the stem still remains. Since we are dealing with trees look out for vines on trees with lots of little hairs. "Hairy Rope, Don't Be a Dope!" Stay away from hairy stems and vines!
Falling Branches and Trees-When walking through the woods to your plot area, take a second to look up and see if there are any dead branches or broken branches above where you will be walking under, avoid weak or sketchy looking branches.
Some other things to be aware of -is Barbed wire and Electric Fences. Their could be Barbed wire left over from old farms. A lot of people own many acres of land and could’ve put up Electric fences around their property.
Getting Lost- Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get your plots done before dark, that’s the worst for getting lost. Deep in the woods the terrain starts to look similar and it is hard to figure out which way you came from. When first entering the woods of undeveloped areas keep objects in mind as you walk by so you can get a good bearing of how to get back. We will have GPS units, but in a situation where you don’t remember how to get back to where you parked panic sinks in and you can get disoriented. Stay calm, and try to keep in mind reference objects as you trek trough the woods is like having a trail of bread crumbs, its just a very helpful thing to do. If you are totally lost and GPS doesn't work, give us a call. If that doesn't work, use the compass to take a bearing in the direction you think you should go. Even if it's wrong, you'll hit a trail or a road or a fence.
If at any point you find yourself in a situation that feels dangerous or uncomfortable, you should leave at once. Bring whatever information and concerns you have back to the office and we will respond appropriately.
You are representing NC State University and are associated with a number of partner organizations. Please be super nice to everyone you meet and talk with in the course of your sampling work. Do not, under any circumstances, enter into arguments with anyone - leave the area if someone becomes argumentative.
Basic Safety for Field Research
Safety is an important, but often overlooked component in any field research activity. For this class, and all future fieldwork, it's important to have a basic understanding of how to keep yourself safe while collecting data. By taking a few precautionary actions, you can greatly reduce your chances of finding yourself in a bad situation, and more easily recover from one if it does happen. (A lot of this will seem lame or overkill, but it's easier to just do this stuff and not need it than to need it and not have it.)
How to Think
Attitude:
The most important variable is how you approach fieldwork. Somebody who assumes everything will go right and is not paying attention is far more likely to get into a dangerous situation than somebody who is keeping an eye open for problems, and makes necessary preparations. Fieldwork is fun, and you should always keep a positive attitude, but don't make assumptions or cut corners that you might regret later.
Plans:
Before you go to a plot, know exactly how to get there. Know what the weather is going to be like, and what the likely hazards are going to be. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. (For instance, what would you do if somebody twisted their ankle on a log? What if a thunderstorm rolls in?)
Awareness:
Keep an eye on your surroundings. Is the branch above you dead? Is that sound in the distance thunder, or a train? Did you come in on the trail with the white blazes, or the red? Why is that raccoon walking funny? Even if somebody else is taking charge of navigation, double check them from time to time so you always know where you are.
Redundancy and Improvization:
If you have a water bottle, wrap it in duct tape so you can fix things in the field, and to give it a little more protection against falling on rocks etc. If you forgot the pin flags, tie some flagging tape on a stick and jam it in the ground. If you twist your ankle, use a good solid stick as a crutch. By having equipment that can be used in multiple ways, you can make sure you always have what you need when you need it.
Personal Equipment
Proper gear is what allows field research to go on happily in adverse conditions and despite random SNAFUs. Make sure you have the tools needed to get the job done right.
Essential Equipment (See also Field Kit page and collect checklist there)
Outer layer: Have a shell that can protect you from wind and rain. Even if you don't wear it, bring it with you.
Inner layers: In cooler weather, bring multiple thin layers that you can use to keep warm, with the T-shirt on the outside. In cold weather, wear more or thicker layers with a coat. For any outdoor work, it's best to dress in layers. You can add and remove layers as needed to keep at the right temperature. The layers also help to trap air, like a quilt, keeping you warmer for less weight. Avoid having just a T-shirt and a really thick coat. If the temperature changes, you'll either be sweating or freeze. Or, if you're really unlucky, you'll work up a sweat, and then freeze.
Proper footwear: wear something sturdy, preferably with ankle support, that has good traction and that could get wet or muddy. Sturdy sneakers at the minimum, but preferably hiking boots.
Vest: A blaze orange vest helps hunters and drivers see you. It also enhances your professional appearance, and makes it more likely that people will think you are doing important work. As a result, they are more likely to talk to you instead of calling the police or threatening violence. Some vests have pockets that are good for carrying things
Hardhat: Protects against falling objects, (like this 8 lb pine cone: (http://www.cfr.washington.edu/classes.cfr.101f/tree%20tour%20new/bigconecone-b.JPG) and improves professional image, as described with the vest above.
Water: You should have a liter or two with you, and take water breaks periodically. Even in winter, and especially when doing physical work like measuring plots, you will sweat and lose water. Without water, your body can't function properly, and will generate less heat and you will get cold and cranky. (Crankiness is one of the first signs of dehydration).
First aid kits: Each person should have a sealable bag with bandaids, aspirin, antihistimines, inhalers, epi-pens etc., whatever you need to take care of yourself medically. Stuff it in your backpack and forget about it. Also, it's good to have a card in your wallet or backpack with your medical conditions, allergies, blood type etc., just in case something happens and you're unable to tell medical personell. It's a good general practice that's quick, cheap, and in certain circumstances can be lifesaving. You should tell your partner where you keep your card.
Whistle:It's small, it can be used to call for help, to scare animals away, or to help other researchers find you in the field. (Especially when you're in a place that's hard to describe to other people.) Three sharp blasts is an international distress signal.
Optional Equipment
Snacks: Depending on how long you're out for, it's good to have some granola bars, trail mix, crackers, or something to keep your energy levels up. Without food, your body will produce less heat and you'll get colder faster.
Sunblock: even in winter, you can get sunburned in an hour or two, especially at elevation or on really clear days.
Bugspray: depending on conditions, there may be gnats or mosquitos. Avoid applying sprays with deet to bare skin, I've heard it's a carcinogen.
Hat: A wool cap is best for cold days, since you lose a lot of heat through your head. On sunny days, a ballcap or broad brimmed hat keeps the sun off your face and out of your eyes.
Weather Issues
“Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” -Ben Franklin
Chances are you'll have to collect data at some point when it's cold, wet, snowy, windy, or icy.
Staying warm
Wear a wool hat. You lose a lot of heat with a bare head, even if you have a lot of hair. Dress in layers that trap air. Drink water and eat snacks to keep your metabolism up. Drink hot liquids before going out, and take breaks periodically to warm up. Keep an eye on partners for signs of hypothermia, like shivering, chattering teeth, confusion,
Ice and Fog
Be careful driving or walking on ice. Leave a longer following distance while driving. Don't fall down or drive off the road.
Rain-use waterproof paper, if available, or keep equipment and papers in appropriately sized plastic bags. Wear synthetic or wool layers, since cotton absorbs water and gets cold. Have a good outer shell. If you have to improvize, you can turn a garbage bag into a waterproof outer layer.
Wind-have a good clipboard that keeps your papers from blowing away. Add extra layers to keep in heat. Have a good outer shell.
Communications
Always let somebody know where you are going, and when you plan on being back. Bring a cell phone if you have one, and program your emergency contact (In Case of Emergency, or ICE is typically entered so if a paramedic finds you and you can't talk, they can contact this person straight from your phone.) We'll give you phone numbers to call if you have problems or questions in the field.
What to Do if There is an Injury
Tell your partner(s)
- If it is minor, call us to let us know what happened
- If it's major, help your partner help you.
What to do if there if a team member is injuredUrban Safety
Parking:
The first step in urban safety is finding a legal parking place. As you get closer to the plot watch for areas with free or temporary parking. Two hour parking should be enough time to get everything done. When exiting from the left side of the car into traffic (or the right side, if parked on the left of a one-way street), be very careful that no cars are approaching before opening your door.
Traffic:
Once out of the car, traffic becomes the next thing to watch out for. Look both ways before you cross any street, even a one-way street. Be aware at all times when cars are coming. No one wants to get hit by a car. Do NOT try to establish a plot center in the middle of a street. Instead, use your aerial photograph to figure out which trees are in the plot and measure them. Note any differences in land cover on the photo. We can estimate the land cover data from the photo if we need to.
Highways:
If a sample plot requires presence on a limited-access highway (eg, the beltline), do NOT measure the plot. Please refer all such plots to George and Evan.
Dogs:
Dogs can also be problem especially if the plot is in a back yard. If the plot is one where we have to ask to go into the backyard, always ask if they have any dogs. If a dog does approach, watch its posture and do not run this will just make it chase you.
People:
People are another thing to be aware of. In bad neighborhoods especially make sure all team members can see each other at all times. If we all know our surroundings then everything should work out just fine.
Permission / Trespass:
If the field site is in someone's back yard, you should knock on the door and ask permission. Do not trespass. You should have with you a letter on NCSU stationary describing what you're doing and your NCSU identification. You should wear a safety vest at all times, and a hard hat - this helps make you look professional and projects an image of competence and confidence. Be polite, understand and explain what you area asking to do, how long it will take, and emphasize that no destructive sampling will be done - nothing will be removed from the site. If they say "No" just say "Thank yo very much" and leave the area.
Safety in Undeveloped areas- There is a greater potential for accidents in undeveloped areas. The terrain can be unpredictable for ex: Wet rocky areas, steep hills. When going out into the field you should have the proper footwear and equipment to handle these anticipated areas.
Animals-Some of the plots can be deep in the woods and with that comes the possibility for animals. Even if an animal looks harmless you should avoid an encounter with them by simply backing away slowly. The most dangerous animal you need to look out for would be snakes, especially copperheads. If you happen to find yourself near a snake like this,
again calmly back away from the animal and go around at a safe distance from it.
Insects-Since it is Winter, insects should not be a problem.
Plants- Always keep an eye out for plants with thorns, having a good pair of work gloves would be helpful if you can’t avoid the thorns and need to push them aside. Also don’t be tempted to eat anything off a plant. Unless your 100% sure what is edible don’t be lured by brightly colored berries!
Poison Ivy- It is still active in winter, the leaves fall off but the stem still remains. Since we are dealing with trees look out for vines on trees with lots of little hairs.
"Hairy Rope, Don't Be a Dope!" Stay away from hairy stems and vines!
Falling Branches and Trees-When walking through the woods to your plot area, take a second to look up and see if there are any dead branches or broken branches above where you will be walking under, avoid weak or sketchy looking branches.
Some other things to be aware of -is Barbed wire and Electric Fences. Their could be Barbed wire left over from old farms. A lot of people own many acres of land and could’ve put up Electric fences around their property.
Getting Lost- Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get your plots done before dark, that’s the worst for getting lost. Deep in the woods the terrain starts to look similar and it is hard to figure out which way you came from. When first entering the woods of undeveloped areas keep objects in mind as you walk by so you can get a good bearing of how to get back. We will have GPS units, but in a situation where you don’t remember how to get back to where you parked panic sinks in and you can get disoriented. Stay calm, and try to keep in mind reference objects as you trek trough the woods is like having a trail of bread crumbs, its just a very helpful thing to do. If you are totally lost and GPS doesn't work, give us a call. If that doesn't work, use the compass to take a bearing in the direction you think you should go. Even if it's wrong, you'll hit a trail or a road or a fence.